P s 



Price, 




Betty Jane's 

Christmas 

Dream 



By 



Glenn H. Isenbarger 



and 



Susie E. Isenbarger 



MARCH BROTHERS, Publishers 

208, 210, 212 Wright Ave., LEBANON, OHIO 




Merry Christmas 
Melodies 

Price, 25 cents 
CONTAINS 

"'Husk-a-tye, Lul-a-tye/' (Lullaty) 
I ;;Be Jolly ^ 

"Star of Betklekem' 
''Tke Toys' Marcn ' 
" 1 nankxulness, 
etc. 



Complete Drill Book 

Price, 40 cents 

CONTAINS 

1 he Dnowmen 
'"Valentine Dance 
'"Chickens, 
etc. 



ORDER FROM 



Marck Brotliers, PuLliskers 

208, 210, 212 Wrigtt Avenue, Letanon, OLio 



no I 



Betty Jane's 
Christmas Dream 



A Christmas Playlet 

In a Prologue, One Act and an Epilogue 



By 

.GLENN H. ISENBARGER 

and 

SUSIE E. ISENBARGER 



MARCH BROTHERS, Publishers 

208, 210, 212 Wright Avenue, LEBANON, OHIO 



^^^4 



.^^ 



-S 



COPYRIGHT, 1921, By 
MARCH BROTHERS 



©C(.D 5 8«5 8 



Betty Jane's Christmas Dream 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 
Mrs. Smith — Betty Jane's mother. 
Betty Jane — A selfish little girl. 
Santa Claus — Large boy. 
Peppermint Sticks — 10 boys. 
The Orange Brothers — 10' boys. 
The Dolly Family — 6 girls. 
Rag Dolls — 6 girls and 10 boys. 
Jack-in-the-Box — Boy. 
Toy Drum — Boy. 
Sacks of Peanuts — 10 boys. 
Selfishness, An Evil Spirit — Large girl. 

Time of Presentation: 45 minutes to II/2 hours. 

Costumes 

Mother — Conventional — modern. 

Betty — Nightdress. Ready for bed. 

Santa Claus — Regular costume. 

Selfishness — Black cloak with cowl. Carries cane. 

Peppermint Sticks — White suits with spiral stripes 
of red crepe paper around the body and around 
arms and legs. Hats made from tubes of card- 
board to fit the heads, with spirals of red crepe 
paper .similar to the rest of dress. Hats should 
be at least twelve inches high and should be fitted 
with elastics to go around the chin to keep them on. 

3 



4 BETTY JANE S CHRISTMAS DREAM 

The Orange Brothers — Take two-yard lengths of 
regular width orange or yellow paper muslin and 
sew the ends together, making cylinders. Put 
drawstrings in top and bottom for drawing to- 
gether. Place around the body, each boy keeping 
his arms folded, and stuff with excelsior or paper 
till good and tight. Upper drawstring should be 
around the neck. 

Dolly Dimples — Pink dress made to look as much 
like doll dress as possible. Patent leather slip- 
pers with buckles. 

Dolly May — Same as above, but dress of white 
material. 

Dollies Di, De and Do — Dressed as nearly alike as 
possible. All wear hats. 

Dolly De Fat — Flashy, expensive-looking hat, cloak 
and furs. Carries lorgnette. 

Rag Dolls — Ragged and patched dresses of various 
colors. Mak^ as ludicrous as possible. Boy dolls 
should wear patched overalls and old straw hats. 
Use patches of different colors. 

Jack-in-the-Box — Clown suit. Large packing case 
or pasteboard box big enough for small boy to 
crouch down so the lid will close. Box should 
have no bottom and should be provided with 
hand holds inside so it can be moved when the 
boy is inside. It should be covered with white 
paper and decorated with stripes, pictures, etc. 

Toy Drum — As Jack-in-the-Box, the drum should be 
carried. Make a cylinder of cardboard about two 
feet in diameter and nearly the same height. 
Paint or decorate to represent a drum. Can be 
carried by extending the elbows inside or by 
hand holds. 



BETTY JANE S CHRISTMAS DREAM 5 

Sacks of Peanuts — Imitation sacks made of heavy 
wrapping paper open at the bottom and reach- 
ing to the laiee. Slit about a foot up the sides 
•so boys can walk. Fasten together over the 
shouhlers by paper fasteners or by sewing. Make 
twists on each side like those on peanut sacks. 
Boys should wear paper sacks on their heads. 

[Girls may take the part of boys if there are not 
enough boys available.] 

Scene I 
Prologue 

[Little girl's bedroom in a well-to-do ho7ne. Bed 
at left. Stockings hung at end of bed. Room deco- 
llated for Christmas, Christmas tree at right. Mother 
seated in rocker by the bed and Betty curled up at 
her feet.] 

Mother [reading] : And there were, in the same 
country, shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping 
watch over their flocks by night ; and an angel ap- 
peared and said unto them: "Fear not, for I bring 
you great tidings of great joy. For unto you is born 
this day, in the city of David, a Savior, Avhicli is 
Christ the Lord." And suddenly there was with the 
angels a host of heavenly beings praising God and 
saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, 
peace and good will toward men." 

Betty: Oh, mother, isn't that a beautiful story? 

Mother: That, my dear, is the most beautiful 
story ever told. 

Betty: And have they celebrated the birth of 
Christ ever since by giving presents on Christmas ? 

Mother: Yes, Betty. On Christmas, nearly two 
thousand years ago, the world received the greatest 



6 BETTY jane's christmx\s drp:am 

gift over given, and this Christmas evo we shoiikl be 
thankful for that gift. We should indeed be happy 
with whatever we reoeive on Christmas, even if tlierc 
is something we'd rather have. 

Betty: But mother, how can one be thankful for 
something one doesn 't want ? Last year I was ter- 
ribly disappointed. The dolls were very inferior. 
And as for shoes and stockings and such things to 
wear, why they're not presents at all, for I'd have 
to have them anyway. Besides, the candy, fruits and 
other things to eat were not any better than the little 
girls got whose fathers are not nearly so wndl off as 
mine. I don't see why, when Christmas comes but 
once a year, and since we can afford it, that I can't 
have what I want. 

Mother : Daughter, those kind of thoughts show 
that you are missing entirely the spirit of Christmas. 
I had hopes that w^hen you grew older you might lose 
some of your selfishness. Even though our circum- 
stances are such that we can have most of the com- 
forts of life, your father and I have tried to lead you 
to see that an unselfish spirit leads to happiness and 
that selfishness causes pain, but I fear your lesson is 
yet to be learned. [Earnestly.] Betty, there's many 
a poor little child who could be made extremely happy 
with just a little of what you have. 

Betty : Then that 's easily fixed, mother. You may 
give the things I don't want to the poor children after 
I have looked them over in the morning. 

Mother [sadly shaking her head] : My poor little 
selfish girl, I suppose your father and I are partly 
responsible for your attitude through giving you too 
much, even when we thought we were being con- 
servative. I fear that your love of self will some- 
time cost you dearly. All I hope is, that when you 



BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 7 

learn your lesson it will be empliatic, but not too late 
nor too costly. 

Betty [jumping up and hugging her mother] : 
Now, mother, don't scold me on Christmas eve. Kiss 
me good-night, so I can get a who — o — o — ole lot of 
sleep, so I can have a great time tomorrow. 

Mother [rising and kissing Betty] : Shall I sing 
you your good-night song? 

Betty: Oh, yes, do. Wait till I say my prayers. 
[Betty and mother kneel hy the bed for a minute, 
mother's arm about Betty. Tableau.] 

Betty [both risel : Now, mumsie, tuck me in. 
Then you can sing. 

[Mother puts her to bed, then sits by the bed in 
chair and holds her hand while she sings. Any lullaby 
will do.] 

Mother [rising as chorus offstage softly repeats the 
hUlaby. stands facing bed with bowed head] : Only 
a baby, and the seeds of selfishness already beyond 
the sprouting. May I have wisdom to cope with it. 
[Turns off lights and exits.] 

CURTAIN 



Scene II 

[Same as Scene I. Soft lights. Betty asleep on 
the bed. Sound of sleigJibells without.] 

Sx\NTA Glaus [outside]: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa, 
Prancer ! Whoa, Vixon ! Stand still and rest while 
you can. You've a long way to go yet tonight. 
[Enters. Lights flare up.] Well! Well! Here's 
the first little one for me to visit. Sound asleep, too. 
[Walks to bed.] Dreaming of me, I guess. Well, 
so much the better for my business if she just keeps 



8 BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 

on dreaming. I hate to have 'em wake up. They're 
too inquisitive. Now, for my fun. [Stoops and feels 
in the sack. Drops sack and feels all over himself 
and in all Ms pockets, Pats himself all over. Scratches 
his head in puzzlement.] Now, bless my bones, where 
do yon think it can be? Who ever heard of the old 
man forgetting his list? I'll bet Mother Santa forgot 
to put it ill my pocket. She knows how absent-minded 
I am. \ Straightening tip.] There's only one thing 
to do, and that's go back after it. I'd be in a terrible 
fix if I got things mixed. I wonder where I can hide 
my sack till I come back. [Looks all around.] Ah, 
behind this door's the very place. \ Crosses to door 
R. and hides sack ojf stage.] There! No one will 
disturb it there. Now I must hurry or I can't finish 
tonight. 

[Exit R. Soiuids of hells. Quietness for a few 
moments. Stirring sounds and confusion of voices 
offstage R.] 

First Peppermint Stick [offstage R.] : I say, I 
will get out of this sack. "Who'll stop me? What? 
I stepped on you ? Well, it serves you right for being 
so round and fat. I don 't like oranges anyway. They 
sour my otherwise sweet disposition. Come on fel- 
lers! Let's explore the premises. [Enter ten pep- 
permint sticks tvith a rush.] 

First P. Stick : Wliee ! Whoop ! Now we're free. 

Second P. Stick: Let me stretch myself. 
[Stretches.] 

Third P. Stick: This beats that stuffy old sack. 

Fourth P. Stick [shivering] : And, oh, but I'm 
cold! 

First P. Stick: Watch your step when you're 
cold. 



BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 9 

Fifth P. Stick: Yes, my brother broke his back 
that last cold spell. 

Sixth P. Stick : Oh, well, it's a great bother being 
so brittle anyway. 

All: So say we all. 

[All line up in front and sing to the tune '^Comin' 
Thro' the Rije"]: 

We're the peppermint family, as every one can see, 

And though we look so very strong, we're brittle as can be; 

We have to watch our P's and Qs and never, never fall, 

Because if we should tumble down, 

It's sudden death — That's all. 

Seventh P. Stick [saimtermg around] : Now I 
feel some better. [Sees Betty.] Oh, I say, brothers, 
look here. 

All [crossing over] : Ah — h — h — h. 

Eighth P. Stick [looking at stockings] : Here's 
her stockings. This paper says her name's Betty 
Jane Smith. 

First P. Stick [astounded] : What? Not that 
horrible, selfish Smith child. Well, you can rest as- 
sured I'll not stay here, nor will I permit any one 
of the gang to stay. Why, do you know that last 
year she deliberately murdered twelve of our brothers 
in cold blood? Yes, threw them on the floor in a 
fit of rage because she wanted chocolates instead. I'll 
tell you they were very much broken up about it. 

All: We'll not stay here. 

Ninth P. Stick : Let us hunt some grateful child. 

Tenth P. Stick: That's a good idea, but let's 
exercise a little before we leave so we won't get so 
cold. 

First P. Stick: That suits me. 



10 BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 

All: Yes, let's do. 

[Formation for folk dance or drill. Any good one 
will do. ''The Snowmen" suggested. Exit at its 
completion. As they leave, the first -orange bounces 
onto the stage.] 

First Orange [prancing around] : Now, where is 
he? Where is that impudent candy stick and his 
saucy brothers. I'll teach them how to tramp on 
me. He nearly mashed me. [Looks all aroiuid.] 
The}^ don't seem to be here. I suppose they've skipped 
out. Good riddance, is what I say. They're bad 
enoug-h when they're cold, but when they get in where 
it's warm I must say they are very much stuck up. 
[Calling off to R.] Come on up, brothers, and stretch 
yourselves. [Enter nine other oranges.] 

Second Orange: My, what a cozy place! 

Third Orange : — o — o — h, look at the stockings ! 

Fourth Orange: Yes, and there's where I'd now 
be snugly fitting if Santa Claus hadn't forgotten his 
list. [To brothers.] Now that we are here, what 
are we going to do? 

Fifth Orange: Let us do our setting-up exer- 
cises to smooth out our wrinkles. 

All: 0! K! 

[For'ination for drill. Any marching drill is good 
here where the arms are not used. "Valentine 
Dance," Part /, suggested.] 

Sixth Orange: Do you know, I like that exer- 
cise ! It makes my orange blood tingle. It suffuses 
my face with orange-colored blushes. 

Seventh Orange: Yes, and it's good for plump 
fellows like us. It helps our figures so. 



BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 11 

Eighth Orange [panthig] : Well, I don't like it. 
See, I'm all out of breath. 

Ninth Orange: Yes, and I know why. A plain 
case of the cost of high living:. Your fast life has 
put you out of condition. That's what is the matter 
with you. 

Tenth Orange [who has teen examinwg stock- 
ings] : Sh — h — h — h! {Holds finger to lips and 
comes forward. All hold fingers to lips and form 
circle around him.] 

All: Sh— ^h— h— h!! 

Tenth Orange: I've just made a discovery. The 
name on those stockings is "Betty Jane Smith." 
Now what I know of her would make your juice run 
cold. 

All [very much excited] : Oh, dear, what is it? 

Tenth Orange [looking all around, finger to lips. 
All look around.] Sh — h — h — h ! It 's a terrible tale ! 
But true, ah how true! Listen! Last year my older 
brother was bi'ought here to her. He was overjoyed 
to think that he was going to give some child pleasure. 
He thought liow she would enjoy tasting his excellent 
flavor. Poor boy! How sad his disillusionment! Do 
you know what she did? Took one bite out of him 
and threw him out in the snow to a terrible death, 
with never a thought of the waste. And right around 
the corner lived a poor little girl who had no Christ- 
mas goodies at all. 

First Orange: And she did this thoughtlessly? 

Tenth Orange: Yes, thoughtlessly. 

Second Orange : Did she have any more oranges ? 



12 BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 

Tenth Orange: Yes, lots of them, but they were 
not touched by her. 

Third Orange: And she didn't offer any to the 
poor little girl? 

Tenth Orange: Not one. 

Fourth Orange : Such selfishness is awful. Come 
on. Let's go around and give ourselves to the poor 
girl. 

All: That is what we'll do. 

First Orange : Let her sleep on. Maybe this will 
teach her a lesson. [Exit oranges.] 

Betty [rismg tip and stretching out her arms to 
the oranges] : Come back ! Come back, oranges. I 
shall not be so thoughtless again. [Falls hack asleep.] 

[Filter dollies, one at a time. As each enters, she 
comes forward and recites, all forming a line at 
front. It is a good plan to have them act very stiff 
at first and slowly come to life.] 

Dolly Dimple: 

My name is Dolly Dimple, 

I'm as sweet as sweet can be; 

But those oranges rumpled me all up. 

When they scrambled over me. 

Dolly May [carrying basket] : 

My name is Dolly May, 
Why they call me so, 1 never ask it; 
But when I Christmas shopping go, 
I always take my little basket. 

Dollies Di, De and Do [entenng together. Each 
one pointing to herself as she says her name] : 
We are the Dollies Di— De— Do, 
Why they call us triplets we don't know; 
But w^e're together where e'er we go. 
Three Httle Dollies, Di— De— Do. 



BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 13 

Dolly De Fat [comes forward holding her lor- 
gnette] : 

My name is Miss Dolly De Fat, 

I'm a blue-blooded aristocrat; 

I came in a sack, 'twas against my will, 

And of course, vulgah folks, I've had my fill. 

All: 

The Dolly family now you see, 

We're just as clever as we can be; 

We keep ourselves so very neat, 

That people say: "Oh, aren't they sweet"? 

Dolly De F. : My deahs, I think I shall stroll 
about the place a bit. 

Dolly D. : Yes, let 's see what we can find. 
[All walk about. Dolly May finds stockings and 
at the same time Di, De and Do find Betty in hed.] 

Dolly M. : Oh, here are stockings with a note on 
them. 

Di, De and Do: And here is a little girl asleep. 

Dolly De F. : Let me see the note, my deah, per- 
haps one of us is to be given to this little girl. This 
is RAWTHER a nicc place, and I shouldn't mind stay- 
ing here. [Takes note and reads aloud.] 

Dolly De F. : Betty Jane Smith ! 

Dolly D. [hand to brow]: Betty Jane Smith? 
Oh, fan me girls. I feel faint. [All crowd around 
her.] Oh, what a shock. We must leave here at once. 

All: Leave? Why? 

Dolly D. : This little girl is a horrid thing. She 
abuses her dolls shamefully. Leaves them out in the 
rain, pulls their hair, gets their dresses dirty, and is 
never satisfied with any of them. 

All : Hew terrible 1 



14 BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 

Dolly D. : Last year she had three, and when 
some other little girls wanted to play with them she 
shut every doll up in a dark closet. 

Dolly De F. : How shocking ! 

Di, De and Do: Let us leave this place at once. 

Dolly M. : Yes, let us find a home with some lit- 
tle girl who will appreciate us. 

Dolly De F. \indig72antly] : I am going at once. 
This is terrible. Besides, I think I hear those common 
rag dolls raising a disturbance in the sack. They'll 
be in here next. Shiftless trash! [Exit all.] 

Betty [jumping out of bed] : Oh, dollies, dollies, 
I'll be good to you and share you with the other 
little girls. Come back! Come back! [Gets into 
bed again; sleeps.] 

[Filter rag dolls in order. They walk in a loose, 
staggering manner with their arms hanging loosely in 
imitation of rag dolls. Each comes to the front in 
order and names herself.] 

Jolly M. [pointing to herself] : Jolly Molly ! 

Quaker P. [same]: Quaker Polly! 

Susan [same] : Susan ! Save a place for mc. 

Henrietta [same] : Henrietta ! 

Lizabetta [same] : Lizabetta ! 

All [t^lrn^ng] : Oh where can Sallie be? [Enter 
Sallie, crying.] 

Sallie : 

I'm seared plum to death, 

I'm all out of breath, 

That Jack-in-the-Box jumped at me; 

1 stepped on the spring, 

And out popped the thing. 

What they make 'em for is what I can't see! 



BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 15 

Jolly 'M. -. I feel frisky. 

All: So say we all. Let's frisk! 

[Formation for drill. Should he such as to offer 
possibilities for ludicrous action of dolls. ^^ Chickens," 
Part III, awkwardly performed, suggested.] 

Quaker P. : I'm too prim for that kind of exercise. 

Susan: I'm not mentioning any names, but some 
people are too prim for me. 

Quaker P. : Well, I'll admit that I'm a little stiff, 
but some people forget themselves entirely. I hope 
I am lady-like even if I am a rag doll. 

Henrietta: Girls, stop arguing! 

LiZABETTA: That's what I say. Let us have a 
peaceful Christmas eve. 

Jolly M. : Oh, every time someone mentions 
Christmas eve, it reminds me of my Christmas song. 

All: Sing it for us, Molly. 

[Solo hy Molly, dolls joining in the chorus. Any 
Christmas song ivill do. "Be Jolly," suggested.] 

Quaker P. : I like to see people happy. It is a 
pleasure to me to know that we rag dolls can give 
some happiness. 

Henrietta: I am glad too. Maybe we can bring 
happiness to someone here. 

Lizabetta : Let us see who lives here. I'm sure 
I'd love to make a little girl happy this Christmas. 

Quaker P. [finding Betty in led] : Dolls, come 
here. See this little girl? [All gather around.] We 
can stay here and make her happy. 

Sallie [looking at Betty]: Oh! Can it be? 
[Pauses and looks closer.] Yes it is. Sisters, we can't 



16 BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 

stay here. This little girl pulls the cotton out of rag 
dolls. I had it from one who knows. Last year in a 
mad fit because she got a rag doll she tore it nearly 
to pieces, and only the rag man's little girl saved its 
life by patching it up. 

Quaker P. : We '11 sing a carol and depart for a 
home where we can expect appreciation from our lit- 
tle mistress. 

[They sing a Christmas carol. ''Star of Bethlehem/' 
suggested. Exit as they sing. Boy rag dolls come 
on to music and either sing or do a stunt immediately 
after rag dolls. This is optional. ''Patches'' is a 
good song for this. Exit all.] 

Jagk-in-the-Box \singing offstage. Tune, "Reuben, 
Reuben"] : 

I've been shut up till I'm dizzy, 
This old box is dark inside; 
Rijxht this minute I'll get busy, 
I'm going to see the world so wide. 

[Enters. Music continues as he goes around the 
stage. Lid on the box remains closed till he stops 
unth a flourish at front and pops out of the box. 
This takes a little practice.] 

J.-i^s-B.ldoivn C.]: Well, this ain't so bad. Nice 
and warm anyway. \Sees Betty.] Hello, sis, who are 
you? \Goes over to the bed.] Hey, wake up, you've 
got company. 

Betty [sitting up] : Oh, Mr. Jack-in-the-Box, I 
am so. glad you stopped here a minute. I want to 
talk to you. 

J.-iN-B. : All right. When ready, Gridley, j^ou may 
fire. But where are the rest of the folks that escaped 
from life imprisonment? I thought they headed this 
way. Why didn't they stay and- entertain you with 
some soul-stirrmor elucidation ? 



17 

Betty [confused] : ' AVhy, Oh — er, Why, you see, 
they left me. 

J.-iN-B. : So it appears to the naked eye. But 
why do you want me to stay ? 

Betty: Oh, because I am so lonely. Even if you 
are only a cheap Jack-in-the-Box and a boy's toy at 
that, you'll do rather than nothing at all. 

J.-iN-B. : Cheap, eh? [Striking an attitude.] My 
dear Madam, you insult me. I'll have you under- 
stand that I belong to the most exclusive set in the 
five and ten cent store. In fact, I'm very much 
sought after at all the red-front social functions. The 
life of the party, as it were. 

Betty [ve?^y rtuicli confused] : Oh, yes, to be sure, 
I beg your pardon. 

J.-IN-B. [condescendingly] : I'll overlook it this 
time. But please tell me why the rest of the Christ- 
mas gifts went away and left you. 

Betty: I'm very much ashamed to say that in the 
past I've not appreciated my gifts as I should, and 
some of this year's gifts found it out and wouldn't 
stay. But you'll stay, won't you? 

J.-IN-B.: No, can't risk it. Folks as old as you 
are apt to be set in their ways. Besides I want to 
see the world. My advice to you is, mend your ways. 
People's ways are like ten-cent store socks, they need 
frequent mending. [Shuts up in his box and exits.] 

Betty [lies down] : Oh, I'm so miserable! 

[As she says this, a drum is heard heating march 
time offstage. Beats continue offstage as drum marches 
on to the stage and around two or three times with 
funny antics. Stops down C] 



18 BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 

Drum : There, that helps my rubs, and my duhs 
and my rub-a-dub-dubs. [Walks to bed.] My little 
miss, I heard what you and my friend Jack-in-the-Box 
were talking about. My advice to you is to learn a 
lesson from this night and change your selfish ways. 
Love every one and take care of your toys as if they 
had feelings the same as you. 

[Chorus offstage sings a lively marching song as he 
exits. ''The Toys' March/' suggested.] 

Peanuts [singing offstage to the tune ^^Smiles*'] : 

There are smiles tliat make you liappy, 
There are smiles that make you blue; 

[Entering and marching around stage single file.] 

But the smile that comes from eatiu^ peanuts, 
Is the smile we're ^oing to give to you. 
There's a flavor that is always pleasing, 
In good peanuts, that is why we're here; 
So we Avish you all a Merry Christmas, 
Merry Christmas to all — Good Cheer. 

[Chorns offstage repeats as they line up in front 
and scatter peanuts over the audience. After the 
little confusion caused dies dowUf each recites in a 
sing-song voice.] 

Sack No. 1: 

My friends we come to you today, 
Full of good cheer, tliat is our way; 
We're sorry that we can not stay, 
But we must hurry, no delay. 

Sack No. 4: 

Now we'd be glad to stay with you. 
But tlien you see, 'twould never do; 
For with this little girl we're through, 
You think she's selfish? We think so too. 

Sack No. 10: 

We know where lots of girls and boys, 
Are generous and like their toys; 
We're going to find them without noise, 
And help them with their Christmas joys. 



UETTY JANF/s CIIKIST.MAS DKKAM 19 

All : 

So now we bid you all ^ood-bye, 
If people ask, just tell them why; 
That little children low or high, 
Will always pass selfishness by. 

[Place hands on shoidders, face left and march 
around stage singing as before and exit.] 

Betty: Oh, dear, my ungratefulness and selfish- 
ness have caught me up at last. Oh, dear ! Oh, dear ! 
[Enter Spirit of Selfishness.] 

Selfishness [limping across room with cane] : Yes, 
selfi.sh child, your selfishness has caught you up at 
last. 

Betty [frightened] : Who are you? 

Self. : I am the Spirit of Selfishness. Of all the 
evil spirits, I am the worst. I cause family trouble. 
I cause trouble between friends. I rob life of its 
sweetest blessings. Nations bow before my will. I 
have caused more suffering than all other vices, and 
in the end I conquer all of my victims just as I am 
now going to clutch 3^ou, never to free you again. 
[Mal-es dash at the hed. Bdty screams. Lights go 
out.]. 

CURTAIN 

Scene III 

Epilogue 

[Same as Scene II. Betty on the floor hy the hed, 
screaming. Stockings filled and other evidences of 
Christmas morning. Christmas tree lighted. Betty ^s 
mother comes rushing in as Betty screams.] 

Betty [screaming]: Mother! Mother! Mother! 
Oh! Oh! Oh! 



20 BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 

Mother [rushing into room] : Why Betty, darling, 
what is the matter? Did you fall out of bed on 
Christmas morning? 

Betty: Oh, no, no, no! Don't let her get me. 
Don't let her come here. 

Mother : Who ? Let who come here ? 

Betty: Why that mean old woman. She said 
she was the Spirit of Selfishness and tried to get me. 
Oh, my beautiful toys and goodies. They're gone, 
and nobody's here but that old woman. Where is 
she? She was here just before you came in. 

Mother: But Betty, there's been no old woman 
here, and your toys aren't gone. 

Betty: Yes, yes. Thej^'re all gone to poor little 
children who are not selfish. 

Mother : But look ! Here are all your presents 
and your nice tree. You must have dreamed some- 
thing bad. \Picks np stocking.] See, here are your 
stockings bulging with things. 

Betty [hngging her mother and sohhing] : But, 
mother, it can't be. I saw them and talked to them, 
and then they ran off. They're gone, I tell you. 

Mother: Listen, pet. You have evidently had a 
dream. Your gifts are all here and a very nice lot, 
indeed. Come, let us look at them and forget the 
dream. 

Betty [lualking ivith mother toward tree tvhere 
presents are placed] : Well, if it was a dream, it 
was the realest dream I ever had. Santa Clans came 
and left them in the sack and they got out and ran 
off. And — say, mother, are there poor children who 
don't have any Christmas? 



BETTY jane's CHRISTMAS DREAM 21 

Mother \ astonished] : Yes, there are hundreds of 
them. And Betty, I'm afraid to think so, but I 
believe my wish for you to learn your lesson has been 
gratified. Last night I told you that your selfishness 
would cause you pain, but I didn't think so simple 
a thing as a dream would make you see it. 

Betty: It wasn't simple. It was terrible. 

Mother: If it was so real as to make my little 
girl forget her selfishness, it was real indeed. But 
let us forget it now. Come, look at your beautiful 
presents. 

Betty \ crossing] : Oh, you beautiful dollie. 
[Picks up doll.] My darling dollie with blue eyes. 
You're really for me. Oh, I'll take care of you and 
love you always. 

Mother: Does the dollie suit you? 

Betty: Suit me? It's a darling. \Lays it down.] 
And her name is Dolly Dimple. \ Picks up rag doll.] 
And here's Jolly Molly. I shan't disturb your cotton 
stuffing one bit. I '11 be nice to you. 

Mother — You seem to find names for your dollies 
quickly, dear. 

Betty: Find names? Why I don't find names. 
Those are their names. 

Mother: Was your dream so real as all that? 
Did the dollies in it have names? 

Betty: Yes, mother. They talked and showed me 
my badness. And mother — 

Mother : Yes ? 

Betty: I want you to let me enjoy my Christmas 
in my own way today. 

Mother: You may enjoy it in any good way. 



Christmas Dialogs and Plays 

BEST AUTHORS' CHRISTMAS PLAYS. "Dolls vs. Toddy Bears," "Jack Hor- 
ner's Cbristmas Pie." "Dolls' Ilosjiital," "Wliy K<lith Didn't Go." etc. 40c. 
BRIGHT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS. Contains "TLe Messenger Birds." "The Boy 

Who Found Christmas," "A New-fashioned Christmas," and other plays, dialogs, 

drills, etc. A most attractive collection. 40c. 
CHRISTMAS AT SKEETER CORNER. Districk Skewl of 50 years ago gives 

Christmas entertainment. Humor of the rarest sort. Any ntimlHT. 25c. 
CHRISTMAS AT THE CROSS ROADS. A rnral Church Committee prepares 

Christmas entertainment. Their peculiarities provoke merriment. 7 m., 12 f. 35c, 
CHRISTMAS BUDGET. Contains "Christmas Alphal)et" dlialog). "Seven Christ 

mas Tableaux" and "Christmas March" (for 10 girls). Clever. 25c. 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL. An original dramatization of Dickens' charming £* 

A hiu'h-grade production. 12 males, 8 females. IV2 hours. 35c. 
CHRISTMAS DIALOGS AND I'LAYS. "Dat Christmas Dinnah," "When Christ- 
mas Came," "Santa at School," "Greedy Johnny's Stocking." etc. 35c. 
A CHRISTMAS DREAM. Santa Claus and Mother Goose children in new rhymeis, 

Bri;,'ht and interesting. "V^-ry clever and spicy. P'asy to give. 5 m., 5 f. 25c, 
CHRISTMAS UOR ALL NATIONS. Children from non-Christian nations describe 

their customs. Text in rhyme. Instructive and inspiring. 7 m., S f. 25c. 
A CHRISTMAS JOKE. Santa trims the tree for Mother Goose children. Jack 

changes labels. Indescribably funny. Text in catchy rhyme. 35c. 
THE DOLLS' SYMPOSIUM. Toy Shop at night. Dolls and toys have great 

frolic; spicv dialog; fancy drills and specialties introduced. Clever. 35c. 
A EEAST IN THE WILDERNESS. How the joy of Christmas crept into a 

garret. Pathetic with touches of humor. Easy to give. 3 m.. 1 f. % hour. 25c. 
THE GIFTED GIVERS. Christmas playlet. 4 ra., 5 f.. high schwl or adults. 

Intenselv interesting, excellent climax. Splendid for school, society or church. 35c. 
THE HEIR OF 3IT. VERNON. Colonial play, in which Washington's .social life 

and sterling manliood are portrayed. 8 boys and 8 girls, or more. 1% hrs. 35c. 
THE LOST PRINXE. Prince is kidnapped. Great excitement. Restored by good 

fairies. Charming and beautiful. Easy to learn. 6 m., 9 f. 35c. 
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Children midst songs and frolic plan a 

Christmas eve "spread," but play Santa Claus instead; glad time follows. 35c. 
ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS DIALOGS. "Little Jerry's Christmas," "Story of the 

Star." "MessaL'e of the Bells," etc. 35c. 
THE PINK SCARF. A breezy confab for glib-tongued school girls. Dixie drops 

a hint that she wants a pink scarf. She gets it — six times. 25c. 

Christmas Recitations and Exercises 

THE CHRIST]\L4S COLLATION. Splendid new collection of recitations, songs. 

dialogs, plavs, etc. Comjilete programs for all grades. Desirable. 40c. 
FIN DE SIECLE CHRISTMAS EXERCISES. Delightful recitations, exercises, 

dialogs, songs. Suitable for all grades. Bright, catchy, sensible. 25c. 
HOW TO CELEBRATE. A comidete program for Christmas, Tlianksgiving, 

Washington's Birthday, and all holidays. Practical and pleasing. 40c. 
-NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK. Contains recitations for little tots, primary exercises 

and dialogs. Also plav for 3 males, 2 females. A book of big values. 40c. 
NEW HOLIDAY RECITATIONS AND EXERCISES. Collection of recitations 

and exercises suitable for school and church. For primary and grades. 25c. 
ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS RECITATIONS. "Waiting for Santa," "Santa's Mis- 
take." "Scaring Santa." etc. Every one a gem. 25c. 
TWENTIETH CENTURY CHRIST]>IAS EXERCISES. Abundant recitations, 

exercises, dialogs, etc. "Jack's Little Sister," "Paul Garwiju's Christmas." 25c. 

Christmas Drills and Marches 

CHRISTMAS STAR MARCH AND DRILL. Superbly brilliant. Picturesque in 

efiect. P'ancy figures. Sure to please. Any age. 16 to 24 females. 35c. 
HOLLY. A jumping rope drill for six little girls. Music. 15c. 

Hallowe'en Entertainments 

BRIGHT IDEAS FOR HALLOWE'EN. Contains five complete plays, as "A 
Hallowe'en Surprise," "The Candidate." "Fairies to the Rescue," etc., also many 
other exercises. A most desirable collection. 40c. 

THE COMPLETE HALLOWE'EN BOOK. Contains drills, recitations, panto- 
mimes, exercises and .short plavs. Also full directions for entertaining, etc. 40c. 

A HALLOWE'EN ADVENTURE. A lively play. Full of ghostly excitement 
and spookv frolic. 8 males and 8 females, or more. 3 scenes. 1 hour. 25c. 

HELPS AND HINTS FOR HALLOWE'EN. For planning celebrations for school, 
church and home. Contains plays, drills, exercises, and other novel sugges- 
tions. 40c, 

(h) 



Tke 

Nonabel Song 
Collection 

Price, 40 cents 

CONTAINS 

* Oweet anJ Lot?v^/' (LuUaty) 
'"Slumter Dearest/ (LuUaty) 
"Comm^ Tkro' tke Rye/' 
etc. 



ORDER FROM 



We can supply **Patclies/' and '""Smiles' in ! 
sbeet music, for 30 cents cack : 



'"Reuben and Rachel Drill, price 40 cents, 
contains tne music, ^'Reuben, Reuben 



jMarch Brotners, Publishers | 

208, 210, 212 Wrigbt Avenue, Lctanon, OLio J 



